Fire Extinguisher

Every year you hear about people getting hurt during 4th of July celebrations.  Not sure why because it would seem like a perfect match, alcohol, and explosives.  What could possibly go wrong?  Well even when we aren’t drinking and playing with explosives, fires can still happen.  Take a look around your job site or workshop.  How many things can go wrong and start a fire?  I am sure we can name a lot of

Even when we aren’t drinking and playing with explosives, fires can still happen.  Take a look around your job site or workshop.  How many things can go wrong and start a fire?  I am sure we can name a lot of items.  What about the guy sweating pipes?  What about the extension cord with a crack in it?  What about the rags piled up in the corner with paint thinner all over them?  I am sure you can look around and find a ton more.  Therefore, we will elaborate more on fire

With all the different items we are exposed to and different scenarios that can happen on a job site, it’s a great idea to understand the differences between fire extinguishers and how to use them.

Different Types of Fire Extinguisher

On the side of a fire extinguisher, you will see different letters.  You will see “A”, “B”, “C”, “D”.  Sometimes you will see a combination of these letters such as A-B or A-B-C.  So what do these letters mean?  Take a look at the chart below and familiarize yourself with them.  Do you have the right fire extinguisher on your job?

Types of Fire Extinguishers

How Do You Use a Fire Extinguisher

Using a fire extinguisher is very easy if you know what to do.  The time is to learn now, not when a fire starts and your panicking.

A fire doubles in size every minute, so if you can get the fire department on its way instead of waiting 5 minutes, you can help keep things in control.  If a fire starts, the first thing you do is call 911.  After you have placed a called to 911, you want to make sure you are out of harms way and you feel comfortable.  Remember a fire extinguisher is for small fires.

If you feel comfortable, grab your extinguisher and pull the pin.  Once you pull the pin, your extinguisher is fully operable.  Next, point the nozzle at the base of the fire and pull the handle to release the chemicals from the extinguisher onto the fire.  Remember, always hit the base of the fire.  If at anytime you feel uncomfortable or the fire starts to get away from you, leave the area immediately.  Remember most people do not die from the flames, they die from toxic fumes. The fumes choke out the oxygen from your lungs.

Remember use common sense.  If a fire is blazing, get out.  Remember safety first.  Make sure everyone is safe.  Once out of the building, you can call 911.  Just use common sense and you will be fine.